Lakwatsarah

A few days before I leave for Manila, my uncle invited me  I asked my uncle if I could go with him at our clan's farm in San Antonio in Tacurong. It's harvest season and I'm so interested to see how farmers work in the field. I know my uncle would agree, in fact he's the one who constantly reminds us (the next generation) to start learning more about managing a farm. I always love being in a farm and those 2 days of observing is also a great opportunity to practice photography. Harvest season in Tacurong From Poblacion, we drove down the highway passing by a couple of tractors, a familiar sight during the month of September. Check out some photos I took during 2 days of observing these hardworking farmers.

Derived from the word “Talakudong”, an Ilonggo term that refers to a hat or any head cover, Tacurong is situated at the crossroads of Central Mindanao. The city, which became a component city of the province of Sultan Kudarat on September 18, 2000 serves as the gateway to the 4 major cities of Mindanao: General Santos, Cotabato, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Although it’s considered as the smallest province in Sultan Kudarat, it’s the most populated with Roman Catholics making up 83.6 of the total population. 2012 last year, Tacurong was declared as regional winner for city category in the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, an award given to the local government units that showed exemplary performance in the local governance. Tacurong also elevated itself to the Top 5 Best Performing Cities of the Philippines in the same year.  WELCOME TO THE CITY OF GOODWILL Photos from top to bottom: Tacurong City Hall by night, Inugyunay Festival, Farm road, Tacurong City Hall by day, City Hall grou...

September 18, 2013. Under the scorching heat of the morning sun, I patiently walk the streets of Tacurong as I struggle to find a decent spot to take photos and witness for the very first time the Talakudong Street Dancing and Field Demonstration . My burnt skin due to previous festivals and farm visits screams for some time out, but I just couldn't let the unforgiving sun ruin my excitement. It's another day to explore the city, my birthplace and my family's home province on this one festive day. Plus, this is after all, the fourth and last festival of my almost 3 month long Mindanao itinerary.   performers swaying their vibrant kudongs

Black Crowned Night Heron It’s been sunny for the past 2 days in Tacurong so I decided to push through with an afternoon visit to Baras. The day is good and the roads are dry, it's a perfect time to see those migratory birds. This simple barangay located west of poblacion, houses one of Sultan Kudarat’s most sought after tourist spot, giving visitors a one of a kind bird watching experience.

Why most extensive? Because this 2 week long vacation to our province in Mindanao is special. We've waited 10 long years for something like this to happen again. You see, it IS EXPENSIVE to travel and ride a plane especially if you have a big family, like us (9 members you might ask)!   Anyway, my family's version of a "holiday getaway" i s somewhat fresh this time. Because a lot of new things happened. But I guess what makes this trip extra special is that we were able to get in touch with as many relatives as we can, celebrated the season with parties here and there, reunions, farm visits plus our unforgettable eco-tourism activities in Lake Sebu. We have a big clan (from both sides) so were able to really take advantage of this trip, touring Tacurong City, Koronadal, Lake Sebu, Polomolok and General Santos City.